Arrest of Fayez Al-Arfi sparks renewed debate over free expression

The National Institution for Human Rights in Libya has strongly condemned the arrest of the popular Libyan poet Fayez Al-Arfi by members of the Internal Security Agency, which it says is affiliated with the parallel government in the east of the country.

In a statement, the institution said Mr Al-Arfi was detained at his home in the eastern city of Al-Marj after reciting a poem in which he criticised worsening living conditions and the country’s deteriorating economic situation.

Video footage circulated widely on social media appeared to show the poet openly criticising the performance of security agencies in eastern Libya, remarks that rights advocates believe may have prompted his arrest.

The institution described the detention as a “serious violation” of human rights and an affront to the rule of law and principles of justice. It further argued that the move constituted a clear breach of Libya’s applicable legislation and legal safeguards protecting freedom of expression.

Expressing what it called its “strong condemnation and denunciation”, the body warned against what it characterised as irresponsible practices that undermine freedom of opinion and expression, as well as artistic and cultural freedoms.

The case has reignited concerns among activists and legal observers over shrinking civic space and the treatment of dissenting voices in parts of the country, particularly in areas controlled by rival administrations.